CAS increases weightlifter Geeta Rani's ban by 2 years

What's the story?

Weightlifter Geeta Rani was hit with a further four-year ban by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). CAS increased the term of the ban from two years to four years. This news comes after Rani and her team was unable to support their sabotage theory with proper evidence.

In case you didn't know...

Geeta Rani represented India in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. It was in Melbourne that Rani claimed a Gold medal in the +75 Kg weight category. She finished fourth in the same event four years later in New Delhi.

The heart of the matter

Geeta Rani was handed a two-year ban in 2015 when her samples were tested positive for an anabolic steroid called Methandienone. Rani and her team called for an investigation into possible sabotage by a fellow competitor but her appeals were turned down. She was given a two-year ban instead.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) turned down Rani's allegations of sabotage citing insufficient evidence.

Geeta Rani now faces an increased ban of four years after CAS stepped in and overruled the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). NADA had originally given Rani a reduced suspension after her claims of sabotage.

What's next?

Geeta Rani had to skip this year's Commonwealth Games due to her ban. She also had to forfeit all her medals, prizes, and points that she earned during the 35th National Games, where her samples were taken. This news comes as a blow to Rani as she now has to go through another few years of suspension.

Author's take

Doping is a serious issue in sports which is still hugely dominant despite the best efforts of the authorities to remove it from the roots. Whether Rani cheated or her samples were sabotaged, we may not be able to find out soon. Let's just hope that any more situations like this don't take place in the future.